Q&A

What Role Is Played By State Bioscience Associations In The Current Healthcare Debate?

Source: Life Science Leader

A: STATE BIOSCIENCE ASSOCIATIONS represent the grassroots voice to convey the value of innovative therapies and devices to patient care. State groups put a homegrown face on the bio industry, serve as a go-to source for locally relevant information, and make it easier for elected officials to see member bioscience companies and their employees as constituents and part of a community. State bio associations are best positioned to educate policymakers on the costs and benefits of biopharma and medtech products through direct policymaker interactions and/ or industry-specific legislative caucuses, legislator visits to companies, media opportunities, and wherever possible using research scientists, industry leaders and patients as compelling and ardent advocates.

STEPHEN RAPUNDALO
Stephen is president and CEO of MichBio. A former elected official, Rapundalo has 20 years of pharmaceutical industry experience.